About the PC Card & PCI Adapter 2-7
2.6 Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a security standard for systems operating with a Wi-Fi certified wireless connection. WPA is an upgrade from WEP (a security standard quickly becoming outdated). Compared to WEP, WPA provides superior data encryption and user authentication.
The WPA enhanced encryption method addresses the weaknesses of WEP by including:
•a per-packet key mixing function
•a message integrity check
•an extended initialization vector with sequencing rules
•a re-keying mechanism.
WPA uses an encryption method called Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP). WPA employs 802.1X and Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). Access points can operate in a combination of WEP/ WPA modes to support both WEP and WPA clients running the Windows 2000 or XP operating systems.
For Windows XP users using Zero Config to configure WPA, ensure Service Pack #1 and WPA Hotfix Q815485 is installed.
2.6.1 WPA-PSK
Wi-Fi Protected Access - Pre Shared Key (WPA-PSK) is a type of WPA providing the same durable encryption protection for users without an enterprise authentication server. With WPA-PSK, encryption keys are automatically re-keyed and authenticated after a designated period or after the transmission of a specified number of packets.
2.7 Draft IEEE 802.11h Compatibility
The LA-5033 PCI adapter and LA-5030 PC Card are designed to meet the IEEE 802.11h standard. The IEEE 802.11h standard provides dynamic frequency selection (DFS) and transmit power control (TPC) for devices operating in the 5GHz band (802.11a) to comply with European radio regulations. TPC is a means of saving power by determining how much output power is actually required for sending frames to a particular peer station. DFS selects the radio channel on the access point to minimize interference with other systems, particularly radar.
